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3 months ago
The General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) emphasized that there must be a minimum validity period of 30 days for the residency permit (Iqama) of a foreign worker to get issued a final exit visa for the worker. The Jawazat urged the employer and the head of the family to renew the Iqama before approaching it to get issued the final exit visa if the validity of the worker’s Iqama is less than 30 days. The directorate stated that if the validity of the expatriate’s ID is more than 30 days and less than 60 days, the final exit visa can be issued and the visa’s duration will be the remaining validity period of the Iqama. If the validity of the Iqama is 60 days or more, the final exit visa, with a duration of 60 days, will be issued. The Jawazat noted that the employer and the head of the family can issue final exit visa for their workers and dependent family members of their workers through the Ministry of Interior’s electronic services platform “Absher and Absher Business” and the Muqeem portal, and that this electronic service is free and can be benefited from it without payment of any fees.
3 months ago
Expatriates residing in the UAE and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries can now easily apply for an eVisa for Kuwait through the country’s new and improved online visa platform – kuwaitvisa.moi.gov.kw. In December 2024, Kuwait temporarily suspended its eVisa system to implement significant upgrades. The revamped platform is now live, allowing visitors to complete visa applications more efficiently and with fewer delays. For UAE and GCC expats travelling to Kuwait for work, visiting family or friends, or exploring the country, here is a guide to the requirements and application process. Who is eligible? Residents of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain who hold specific professional titles are eligible to apply for an eVisa or obtain a visa on arrival. Eligible professions According to Kuwait’s eVisa portal, the following professions qualify: For UAE residents, eligibility is determined based on the profession listed on your Emirates ID. Required documents and details for a Kuwait eVisa The required documents may vary based on your nationality. Generally, applicants need the following: Additional documents may be necessary depending on the visa type. UAE residents must hold a valid Emirates ID with at least six months’ validity. You must also provide accommodation proof for […]
3 months ago
The General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) has announced that dependents of expatriates and domestic workers located outside Saudi Arabia can now renew their residency permits (Iqama) through the online platforms of Absher and Muqeem. Additionally, residents outside the Kingdom can extend the period of single or multiple exit and re-entry visas. The Jawazat noted that beneficiaries can access these services through the Ministry of Interior’s electronic platform Absher and the Muqeem Portal after paying the service fees as stipulated by regulations.
4 months ago
The Ministry of Health has barred an expatriate dentist from practicing the health profession after it was proven that he had committed several medical errors while working in the Riyadh and Tabuk regions. The ministry said that the doctor crossed the limits of jurisdiction of his specialization by performing dental implants and prosthodontics, in violation of the Law of Practicing Healthcare Professions and its executive regulations, in a way putting the safety of patients at risk. The ministry reiterated that its officials will continue inspection and supervision tours of health facilities in order to ensure the provision of health services according to the highest standards of safety, quality and professionalism. The ministry stressed that it will not be lenient in imposing penalties and fines against erring health practitioners in accordance with the regulations. It emphasized its full commitment to implementing the regulations contained in the Law of Practicing Healthcare Professions and its executive regulations, and to deal firmly with any violations or transgressions so as to ensure the protection of the health of citizens and expatriates.
4 months ago
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) has announced new regulations for issuing residency and identification cards to retired residents in the UAE. This includes the introduction of a 5-year residency visa for expatriates aged 55 and above. According to the ICP, expatriate retirees who are 55 years or older can now apply for a 5-year residency visa to live in the UAE. To qualify for this visa, applicants must meet the following criteria This residency visa is valid for 5 years and can be renewed if the applicant continues to meet the same requirements. Application Process The ICP has outlined the steps to apply for a residency permit and UAE ID card for retired residents through its official website and the UAEICP smart application. The application process includes the following steps Dubai’s special regulations for retirees In addition to federal regulations, Dubai has introduced a special program to attract retirees. This program allows foreign nationals, their spouses, and dependents to apply for a renewable 5-year residency visa if the retiree meets certain criteria. Primary conditions The retiree must be at least 55 years old and fulfil one of the following financial requirements. These initiatives aim to provide […]
4 months ago
The Austrian government is understood to have initiated a process to review the asylum status of Syrians following the fall of the Assad regime, a move that could impact up to 40,000 people. As reported by the Express news outlet, the Federal Office for Asylum and Immigration (BFA) has sent letters to Syrians who have been in Austria for less than five years, questioning their continued need for protection. The letters, citing the “changed circumstances” in Syria, state that recipients no longer need to fear political persecution. Those affected have been asked to attend appointments where they must provide further justification for their asylum claims, including evidence of integration such as employment, children enrolled in school, or other contributions to Austrian society. BFA Director Gernot Maier clarified that asylum protection can generally be revoked within five years if the original reasons for granting it have fundamentally changed. “As soon as a well-founded basis for the decision is available, the decision in these cases is made immediately,” the letter from the BFA stated. Chancellor Karl Nehammer instructed Interior Minister Gerhard Karner to suspend all ongoing Syrian asylum applications and review existing cases, but Maier acknowledged the “very volatile situation” in Syria, […]
4 months ago
Abu Dhabi will cover the death-related fees and repatriation costs for all expats in the emirate. The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) has announced the expansion of the Sanadkom initiative, aimed at simplifying and facilitating procedures for families of the deceased, to now include all residents of Abu Dhabi. The initiative provides support and assistance in completing death-related procedures, such as obtaining a death certificate, arranging for the burial, and preparing the deceased for travel, if necessary. Abu Dhabi death costs The Sanadkom initiative aims to simplify and facilitate procedures for the deceased’s family, especially in difficult circumstances. Following the issuance of a death notice, the Sanadkom team promptly reaches out to bereaved families offering their condolences and support with all necessary death-related transactions, and sends a text message outlining the initiative’s services. In collaboration with the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an, to assist the bereaved families during this difficult period, Ma’an will bear all fees related to issuing the death certificate, ambulance transportation, embalming, and repatriating the deceased are fully covered for residents. Hind Al Zaabi, Executive Director of the Customer Experience and Relation Sector at DoH, said: “Under the directives of our wise leadership, the […]
4 months ago
Oman has announced new regulations governing the conditional transfer of expatriate workers in private sector companies, according to Royal Decree 53/2023. The decision aims to uphold labour laws and support Omanisation initiatives while offering flexibility to employers and employees under specific conditions. The new rules allow transfers of expatriate workers, provided the following conditions are met. KEY CONDITIONS FOR EXPATRIATE WORKER TRANSFERS EXCLUDED PROFESSIONS: The worker’s profession must not fall under those already Omanized.ALIGNMENT WITH CURRENT ROLE: The transfer must match the worker’s current job category and nature of work.WORKER CONSENT: The worker must agree to the transfer.MINIMUM EMPLOYMENT PERIOD: The worker must have been employed for at least six months at the transferring establishment.VALID WORK PERMIT: The worker’s permit must have at least six months remaining before expiry.COMPLIANCE BY BOTH ESTABLISHMENTS: Both the transferring and receiving establishments must have no outstanding financial obligations with the Ministry or any service suspensions. TRANSFER CAPS AND LIMITATIONS The regulation imposes restrictions to ensure stability and fairness:Transfers to or from any facility are capped at 50% of its workforce within a calendar year.The transfer period for each worker is limited to six months. EMPLOYER OBLIGATIONS EMPLOYERS RECEIVING TRANSFERRED WORKERS MUST:Provide a wage equal […]
4 months ago
The Swedish government has tasked multiple authorities with mapping instances of refugees traveling to their home countries, a practice Migration Minister Johan Forssell described as undermining the integrity of the asylum system. The initiative, led by the Swedish Migration Agency in collaboration with the police and Swedish embassies, seeks to strengthen the enforcement of residency and protection status regulations amid concerns that many of those claiming asylum in the Scandinavian country are returning to their country of origin for holidays. “If you have asylum because you fled a country, it is strange if you travel back to that country. It could mean there are no longer grounds for protection or that false information was given,” said Forssell. While the Migration Agency already has the authority to revoke permits in such cases, the new assignment aims to improve information-sharing and establish clearer procedures. The results of this effort are expected to be reported to the government by next summer. The debate intensified after a 2022 survey by Novus, commissioned by the Bulletin online newspaper, revealed that 79 percent of refugees in Sweden had vacationed in their countries of origin. Former Migration Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard previously raised concerns over cases where […]
4 months ago
Kuwait has said it deported 610 expatriates found guilty of violating its residency and labour laws as the country is pressing ahead with an inexorable security clampdown on illegal foreigners. The Interior Ministry said inspection campaigns carried out by the General Administration of Residency Affairs Investigations from December 1resulted in the arrest of 317 violators of the residency and labour laws against whom the necessary measures are being taken During the same period, 610 other violators were deported from the country. The ministry vowed to intensify its security campaigns across the country and to arrest anyone who violates the residency and labour rules. Accountability targets the worker and the employer alike, the ministry warned. Kuwait, a country of an overall population of 4.9 million people mostly foreigners, is seeking to redress its demographic imbalance and regulate the labour market. Authorities there have recently mounted a nationwide crackdown on illegal foreign residents, who failed to take advantage of a three-month grace period to rectify their status. The amnesty, which commenced in March, allowed illegal expatriates to readjust their residency status or leave willingly the country without paying fines. The deadline ended on June 30. During the grace period, irregular expatriates, who […]
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